Characters from age 8 to 80 step onto the stage and back in time to re-create life in the 1900s in "Meet Me in St. Louis." The musical grew out of the popular 1944 film about the adventures of the Smith family as they prepare to visit the 1904 World’s Fair.

The household of Alonso and Anna Smith (Steve Kuerschner of Collegeville and Andi Rose of Bala Cynwyd) is in an upheaval, thanks to the romantic travails of two of their five children: Rose (Christine Winans of Philadelphia) is hoping for a proposal from wealthy Warren Sheffield (David Cox of Royersford), while Esther (Robin Richardson of Elkton, Maryland) has fallen hopelessly in love with shy boy-next-door John (Kurt Anderson of King of Prussia). As the sisters discover the ups and downs of love, the family contemplates a move from their beloved St. Louis to a new home in New York. The story takes the Smiths through the year, from a spring full of hope through a fall harvest party, Halloween, a magical holiday season capped with "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and back to spring.

Other familiar Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane tunes in the show include "The Trolley Song," "The Boy Next Door," "Whenever I’m With You," "You’ll Hear a Bell" and the title song.

Director Laurel Smith considers this the perfect time of year for "Meet Me in St. Louis." "With the iconic Halloween and Christmas scenes, it’s a perfect show to see now, as the leaves are changing and a bite of fall is in the air. The emphasis on family, and the simple classic musical themes, make this is a satisfying experience for everyone."

Smith believes this "holiday" outing is one that the entire family can enjoy. "It’s perfect for grandparents and parents to share with the next generation. This classic tale takes us back to an exciting time in our country’s history, when anything was possible."

The stage will be packed with more than 30 performers to provide the hustle and bustle of neighborhood life at the turn of the 20th century. "We have an amazing cast, and they have come together to create the community spirit that is so appropriate to this show." Smith explains, "Life at the turn of the century was in many ways very different, but in others so much the same. The important things…love of family, sense of community, romance…those stay the same, and all of them appear in full force in this show. The Smith family is very real in so many ways: Siblings fight, family members disagree and the kids get into all sorts of mischief. But they are also the best of what family is, as they pull together, and in the end are stronger for the things they face as a family."

So get your ticket for a trip to the 1904 World’s Fair and an evening of family fun.